Psalm 72 is a prayer for the new King. It might be the prayer David prayed for his son Solomon as he passed the kingdom into his son’s care. The last verse says, “This ends the Psalms of David.” It petitions God for wisdom, prosperity, honor and glory for the new king. It includes prayers for the subjects of the king; may they prosper and be satisfied under his rule. It includes prayers for the nations around, that they would honor the new king and bless him in every way. But the primary petition seems to be for the King to be gracious and kind to those who have no one to look out for them, the poor. Vs 4 says, “May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the children of the needy, and crush the oppressor!”

Many argue that this Psalm is a Messianic Psalm depicting for us the rule of the Messiah and the results of his rule in the His Kingdom. Both the Old Testament and the New Testament repeatedly emphasize the them of Christ’s compassion. He’s said to “have compassion” on the hurting, the sick, the lonely, the lost, and other many times in the Gospels. Compassion is the central motif of His life. Religion without compassion misses the mark. Francis Schaefer said, “There is nothing more ugly than an orthodoxy without understanding or without compassion.”

You know the story: Once upon a time a man fell in a ditch.
Realist: “That is a ditch.”
Optimist: “Things will get better.”
Pessimist: “Things will get worse.”
Christian Scientist: “You only think you are in a ditch.”
Newspaper reporter: “I’ll pay you for an exclusive story about life in the ditch.”
City official: “Did you get a permit for your ditch life?”
Mathematician: “I’ll calculate the length and depth and width of the ditch.”
Preacher: “I see three things about the ditch that are noteworthy.”
IRS agent: “Have you paid your taxes for the ditch?”
Jesus: “Give me your hand.”

Chuck
“The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. For the Lord hears the cries of the needy; he does not despise his imprisoned people.” (Psalm 69:32-33)